WakeMed's Clinical Nurse Residency is a one-year program that offers clinical and educational activities to facilitate professional development and personal growth for the new nurse graduate. The educationally-rich and emotionally-supportive environment provides nursing practice in collaboration with experienced preceptors. WakeMed is proud to report an average one-year post-hire retention rate of 90 percent (national average ranges from 35-65 percent).
The Program Offers
- Nursing orientation and skills development
- Clinical workshops
- Classes and continuing education
- A supportive environment specifically designed for the new nurse
- Specially-trained nurse preceptors who provide mentoring and guidance
Program Overview
Phase One: Structured programming that combines educational content, personalized clinical orientation and emotional support, allowing you to integrate theory with the skills required to deliver outstanding and compassionate patient care.
Phase Two: Ongoing support sessions to maximize individual growth, providing you with the one-on-one personal guidance that will allow for a smooth transition into the work environment.
Clinical Nurse Residents are hired into a cohort twice a year. Please note: Recruitment for the Spring Clinical Nurse Residency program is typically held between September-November the year prior. Recruitment for the Summer Clinical Nurse Residency program is typically between January-March of the current year.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the WakeMed Clinical Nurse Residency program, you must be a new graduate with an RN license or eligible to take the NCLEX.
Please apply online to the Clinical Nurse, Resident (New Nurse Graduate) postings, located under the job category "Nursing - RN - New Graduate." Applications submitted to the general Staff Nurse postings are not considered as part of the Clinical Nurse Resident program.
WakeMed reviews all online applications/profiles. You must meet the minimum qualifications of the position to be considered. We receive a large volume of candidates who meet the minimum qualifications; therefore, in many cases, you must meet the preferred qualifications to be considered a top candidate.
Interview & Pre-Employment Process
If you are selected for an interview, the Human Resources department or the department hiring manager will contact you to schedule your appointment. During the interview process you will sign the electronic signature authorization form and release forms, authorizing WakeMed to verify your reference letters if needed and to perform a pre-employment criminal check.
Human Resources will notify candidates who are selected to receive a contingency offer. All official offers must be communicated by Human Resources and include a salary quote. A contingency offer means that the offer is contingent upon you passing the pre-employment process in order to begin work at WakeMed. If you do not pass the pre-employment process for any reason, you may be disqualified from consideration. The pre-employment process includes:
- Nursing licensure verification (licensure must be listed on the Board of Nursing’s website prior to start date)
- Successful clinical instructor references and criminal background checks
- Successful completion of the drug screen and onboarding process
Learn more about the pre-employment process for external applicants (not currently employed by WakeMed).
If you are an internal applicant (currently employed by WakeMed), upon acceptance of a contingency offer from WakeMed, Human Resources will:
- Discuss your effective date (you may be given 3 business days to consider the offer, if needed)
- Schedule you for New Employee Clinical Orientation
Orientation
All new Clinical Nurse Residents are required to attend a general orientation program before reporting to their work area. The orientation will provide valuable information about WakeMed policies and procedures, benefits, available services, work safety practices, and employee health and wellness. Learn more about New Employee Orientation.
All Clinical Nurse Residents are required to attend two days of Clinical Orientation, which is provided on designated Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. This class starts each day in the Andrews Conference Center.
All Clinical Nurse Residents are also required to attend Computer Training. Training dates and location vary depending on work assignment and location.
As a new WakeMed employee, you will also receive department orientation specific to your area and job responsibilities. Learn more about what to expect during your first two weeks at WakeMed.
If you have questions regarding the Clinical Nurse Residents Program, please contact the Human Resources front desk at 919-350-8141, or call toll-free at 877-213-3720.
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